Command OmbudsmanDuring nineteenth century Scandinavia, Ombudsman positions were created to give private citizens an opportunity to express their concerns to high government officials. With theory in mind, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo Zumwalt adapted the ombudsman concept for the United States Navy and formally established the program in 1970, with the intent of meeting the unique needs of Navy families.

It is every ombudsman’s goal to aide in the fostering of self-sustaining families. In keeping with the conceptual roots of the program, your Command Ombudsman will be accessible and act as a troubleshooter, advocate, intercessor and interpreter for the command and its families.

Orders to MOMSENWhen MOMSEN receives your orders, you will be assigned a sponsor from your division who will contact you and send you a welcome aboard package. Your sponsor will assist you with everything needed to make your transition to MOMSEN as smooth as possible. Sometimes, because you are in the middle of a move, attending school, or are out of the country, your sponsor may be unable to contact you. To expedite the sponsor assignment process, you can e-mail our sponsor coordinator at sponsor@ddg92.navy.mil as soon as you receive your orders. Be sure to include your name, rate, rank, estimated date of arrival, a mailing address for your welcome aboard package, and any other applicable contact information.

USS Momsen FAQs

How do I contact the ship?The ship can be reached by commercial phone number 425-304-5185. Upon hearing the beep, dial 1307 which will connect you to the quarterdeck. Please be aware that while underway this phone number will not work. If you are unable to contact the ship by phone, you may contact the ship at the following email address (momseninfo@ddg92.navy.mil).

DirectionsReporting to MOMSEN will be easy!Naval Station Everett is located approximately 45 minutes north of Seattle, and about 1 hour north of Sea-Tac International Airport. If driving, follow Interstate 5 North to exit 192, Naval Station/Port of Everett. Look for Pacific Avenue and turn left, then turn right onto West Marine View Drive. Follow the green road signs to Naval Station Everett, on the left. For access to base, you must have a valid military ID. To drive on base, your car must be registered with the Department of Defense. If you need DOD stickers, stop by the Naval Station Quarterdeck, to the right of the main gate. You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and a military ID to register. For those who are not driving, public transportation is also available, and usually costs about $50 for a ride from the airport to Naval Station Everett. To avoid travel costs, be sure to ask your sponsor to arrange to have the command pick you up.

What should I bring? Ensure that you have a complete seabag when you arrive. You should report in the seasonal dress uniform, or service dress blues. MOMSEN usually changes from blues to whites in April and from whites to blues in October. Please understand that personal storage space onboard a destroyer is limited. Each person generally has an under-rack locker and a stand-up locker for hanging items.

Where can I go for local information?Information about relocation, housing, community services, schools, and various other aspects of life in the Pacific Northwest can be found on the Navy Life in the Pacific Northwest website.

What if the ship is not in port when I arrive?If you have been unable to contact MOMSEN via your sponsor and are scheduled to report to MOMSEN while the ship is not in port, you must report to Transient Personnel Unit (TPU), located onboard Naval Station Everett. Check in at the Quarterdeck and ensure that your orders are endorsed, then report to TPU. Quarterdeck personnel will direct you if you need assistance. TPU is where personnel are assigned temporary duty until the ship returns. TPU will keep personnel informed about when they should expect to meet the ship, either in a foreign port or when the ship returns to Everett. For more information, contact the Naval Station Everett Quarterdeck at 425-304-3366.

Family

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an Ombudsman?
Every Command has an Ombudsman who is a spouse of a sailor at the Command. The
Ombudsman serves as the liaison between the command and the families. The Ombudsman
is the point of contact for the families. He or she can assist families with
navigating through Navy life through resources and information.

How can an Ombudsman help me? Navy Family Ombudsmen are key resources for family members,
particularly during deployments. Ombudsmen maintain current resource files
with information on military and civilian community agencies that can help
families solve a variety of problems, and successfully meet the challenges
they face before, during, and after deployments. In addition to providing
referral information, Ombudsmen can facilitate communication between the
Command and family members. Ombudsmen may publish or contribute to command
newsletters or maintain care lines, which have recorded messages with
information for command families that can be accessed 24 hours a day.
Ombudsmen can also assist families in contacting the Command for a variety
of reasons.

What is the role of the COMNAVSURFPAC Force Ombudsman?
The Force Ombudsman provides oversight and guidance for all the Surface
Ship's Ombudsmen in the Pacific Fleet Area of Responsibility. You can
contact the Surface Forces Ombudsman at (619) 301-6983 or send an email
to surfaceombudsman@gmail.com

What is an IA assignment or tour?
An IA is an Individual Augmentee. A Sailor may receive orders to go IA and this
means that he or she will deploy as an Individual, not with their command. Sometimes
an IA will deploy and be stationed with another branch of the Military.
http://www.ia.navy.mil/

What is NFAAS?
Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System. This is how the Navy will
track your family and assess your needs during an emergency.
https://www.navyfamily.navy.mil

How can I find out more about medical, dental or Navy family resources?
Contact your Command Ombudsman. He or she will guide you to your resources.

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